Socially acceptable in the Inland Northwest?

[horseshoehank]

I really appreciate the replies so far. This helps temper the decision making process with regard to honing my anti-kilt radar...

Now for the next part of the question...

I work as a firefighter in Spokane, and am concerned as to how I go about "breaking the ice" with regards to wearing the kilt around a typically macho man bunch of guys. We have several pipers on the job, who wear kilts for performances, and I am in the local pipe band, which is known to a lot of my co-workers. Again, here is where my wife is concerned about repercussions across the job, because firefighters gossip more than a bunch of people around the water cooler...they aren't happy unless they are griping and gossiping...so she worries for me and my reputation on the job, whereas I am of the opinion that practicing my pipes in the firehouse is a pretty good icebreaker all on its own.

Are we both too far out on opposite ends of the spectrum on this?

Chuck

[Cavebear58]

...so she worries for me and my reputation on the job, whereas I am of the opinion that practicing my pipes in the firehouse is a pretty good icebreaker all on its own....

If there's several pipers too, why not organise a sponsored kilted car wash or the like for charity? Then you'll have plenty of opportunity to discuss the wearing of the kilt more regularly.

Just a thought
Graham.

[kiltimabar]

I work as a firefighter in Spokane, and am concerned as to how I go about "breaking the ice" with regards to wearing the kilt around a typically macho man bunch of guys. We have several pipers on the job, who wear kilts for performances, and I am in the local pipe band, which is known to a lot of my co-workers. Again, here is where my wife is concerned about repercussions across the job, because firefighters gossip more than a bunch of people around the water cooler...they aren't happy unless they are griping and gossiping...so she worries for me and my reputation on the job, whereas I am of the opinion that practicing my pipes in the firehouse is a pretty good icebreaker all on its own.

Considering the universal use of pipers to show last respects to a fallen firefighter (or police officer) I can't imagine anyone making any objection or rude behavior to pipe practice at appropriate times. And the kilt is simply part of the package. I'm certain that firefighters would understand that.

[Kiltedfirepiper]

I really appreciate the replies so far. This helps temper the decision making process with regard to honing my anti-kilt radar...

Now for the next part of the question...

I work as a firefighter in Spokane, and am concerned as to how I go about "breaking the ice" with regards to wearing the kilt around a typically macho man bunch of guys. We have several pipers on the job, who wear kilts for performances, and I am in the local pipe band, which is known to a lot of my co-workers. Again, here is where my wife is concerned about repercussions across the job, because firefighters gossip more than a bunch of people around the water cooler...they aren't happy unless they are griping and gossiping...so she worries for me and my reputation on the job, whereas I am of the opinion that practicing my pipes in the firehouse is a pretty good icebreaker all on its own.

Are we both too far out on opposite ends of the spectrum on this?

Chuck

theres gonna be a bit of everything at the station...( mind you I've been OTJ for 14 years....just 1 year at my present Dept.)
I have guys wanting to learn pipes, and buy kilts, and I have guys that ......shall we say wonder if my marriage is a "front" for my actual lifestyle. and honestly I dont give a rats AZZ what they think!
I still contend that one of the reasons i was hired is because I play pipes, and the chief wants a piper on the honor guard!

the ones who are most adamant about questioning my sexuality I turn it on them. usually with something like.
" you know when you automaticly jump to someone being gay because they dont like the same things as you, or wear something different than you would wear...it usually means you're not secure enough in your masculinity, and really need to look at wether or not you're are being overly "macho" to cover up inadicadicy(sp...what do ya expect? it's 1200Am?)in yourself.."

so far thats shut two of em up.

do what ya like...

KFP